Ann Widdecombe is to step out on the road by joining the Strictly Come Dancing tour - partnered by her fiercest critic Craig Revel Horwood.

The former MP has defied expectations to remain in the competition despite her less than graceful movements on the BBC1 show.

"Widdy" joins stars such as Matt Baker, Patsy Kensit, Jimi Mistry, Kara Tointon and Pamela Stephenson from this year's series for the two-month tour.

Ms Widdecombe has regularly been given a tongue lashing by Revel Horwood - known for his barbed put-downs - during her tenure on Strictly with TV partner Anton du Beke.

She said: "I am very much looking forward to dancing with Craig, after all the rude remarks he has made.

"However, as he is even taller than Anton, the result should be even funnier! Will anyone judge his performance, I wonder?"

Revel Horwood, who is also the tour director, said: "Watching Anton carry Ann round the dance floor like a pantomime dame has been rather painful, but never the less extremely entertaining.

"Ann is a good sport, I can't wait to get my hands on her, and create a fabulous routine which people will talk about for many years to come."

The tour begins in January and also features a number of contestants from past years including Colin Jackson and Ricky Whittle.

Zoe Ball, who came third in the TV series in 2005, will present the live shows. Len Goodman and Bruno Tonioli will be on hand as judges and the audience will also have a chance to vote to decide who wins the glitter ball trophy each night.